Hidden Agenda (1990)

Hidden Agenda wouldn’t be the last time Ken Loach dealt with issues in Ireland (be it Republic or Northern); he won the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 2006 for his portrayal of the fight for Irish independence in The Wind That Shakes The Barley. Sixteen years earlier, Brian Cox and Frances McDormand starred in this political thriller set during the troubles in Northern Ireland. McDormand’s Ingrid is an assistant of human rights activist and lawyer Paul Sullivan, who is murdered by British security services after receiving a tape, which contains vital and disturbing revelations. She joins forces with Brian Cox’s police investigator Peter to find the truth about what happened to Paul and why. Loach’s own opinions often filter through into his films, but that’s not an issue here; based loosely on real events it’s very hard to argue against the truth of Loach’s through line. Hidden Agenda is also a first rate thriller, with excellent chemistry between McDormand and Cox as they battle the powers that be (especially in Peter’s case as he works against his own employees to solve the case). For those that are blissfully or ignorantly unaware of the struggles during the conflict, this is a thoroughly engaging and eye opening watch, as well as being truly horrifying (if sadly unsurprising) at times. 8.0/10